Limerick Book Launch: Europe's Alliance with Israel - Aiding the Occupation by David Cronin

limerick | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Friday November 26, 2010 20:45 by Kev - IPSC limerick at ipsc dot ie

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign is proud to present a book launch tour by Irish journalist and author David Cronin who has just published his excellent exposé of the nature of the relationship between the European Union and the Apartheid State of Israel. The book, Europe’s Alliance with Israel: Aiding the Occupation, will become essential reading for all those concerned with a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

When & Where: Wednesday, 1st December 1.15pm, University of Limerick. Room C1059, Main Building.

Cronin argues that in carefully crafted official statements, the European Union presents itself as an honest broker in the Middle East. In reality, however, the EU’s 27 governments have been engaged in a long process of accommodating Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

The book interrogates the relationship and its outcomes. A recent agreement for 'more intense, more fruitful, more influential co-operation' between the EU and Israel has meant that Israel has become a member state of the Union in all but name. Cronin shows that rather than using this relationship to encourage Israeli restraint, the EU has legitimised actions such as the ill-treatment of prisoners and the Gaza invasion.

Concluding his revealing and shocking account, Cronin calls for a continuation and deepening of international activism and protest to halt the EU's slide into complicity.
About The Author

David Cronin is a Brussels-based Irish journalist specialising in European politics. He has written for a variety of publications, including The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal Europe, European Voice, The Irish Times, The Sunday Tribune and the Inter Press Service.
Praise for the Book

"It seems to many that Israel is above international law. This important book explores the complex political ties that have prevented European countries from holding Israel to account. It is essential reading for all who care about justice and the rule of law. I hope David Cronin is prepared for the abuse he and his book will incur. All the more reason to buy it, read it and take the discussion forward." - Ken Loach, award winning film director